Above all else, a bathroom should look and feel clean. It is, after all, where you go for all things personal hygiene? And aside from a regular cleaning routine to keep things shiny and new, thoughtful design also plays a role in a clean, fresh-feeling bathroom. Enter: modern design. With minimalist silhouettes, cool materials, contemporary lighting, and state-of-the-art plumbing and technology, modern bathrooms are the perfect balance between form and function. Ahead, discover 15 modern bathroom ideas, examples, and tips straight from our favorite designer spaces.
1
Embrace Exposed Materials
Interior design firm Les Ensembliers kept the industrial bones of exposed brick for a grittier edge, while a dramatic marble vanity introduces some polished style. For a budget-friendly alternative to custom built-ins, they converted two nightstands below the countertop and sink to provide extra storage room and keep the surfaces clutter-free.
2
Take Inspiration From Nature
This en suite bathroom is modern and sleek, yet there's also something romantic about it. “I wanted it to feel calm, quiet, and seamless,” says designer Lauren Liess of the cave-like concrete shower area coated in waterproof stucco. The nod to nature is indeed a classic characteristic of modernism.
3
Design Around a View
With little ornamention and simple, nature-inspired materials, this bathroom designed by Studio DB is a modern masterpiece. The rounded floating bathtub is strategically placed by the dramatic floor-to-ceiling window to draw our eyes out.
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4
Modernize Preexisting Features
Matching curtains, an open doorway, and a muted caramel color scheme link the primary bedroom rooms to the modern bathroom beyond. Design studio Atelier ND modernized the clawfoot tub with a marble cube stool and a contemporary sconce.
5
Experiment With Surface Materials
As seen in this bathroom designed by Shawn Henderson, cork is a visually surprising material, but its benefits extend far more than cosmetics. Cork is a renewable material and it offers warmth and cushion (great for noise-reduction!) and also serves as a natural climate control mechanism. Using quirky, avant-garde materials is always a plus when the goal is to create modern look.
6
Choose Glass
In this bathroom designed by Romanek Design Studio, the baby blue zellige tiles and sleek matte black and glass enclosure make a modern statement. A floating bench adds both formal and functional value, too, and bathers won't have to worry about a pesky curtain getting in the way as they wash up.
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7
Mix In Organized Shapes
Organic shapes and tight color story make this fun bathroom designed by Corinne Mathern a happy place to wash up. With preexisting midcentury foundations but contemporary fixtures and updated textiles, it's the best of both worlds.
8
Play Up Natural Elements
Here, Sarah Richardson spotlights a slab of swirling marble that serpentines like the angle of the ceiling. This is a very clever way to make tricky or irregular rooflines work for you and look intentional.
9
Play With Graphic Prints
Fun graphic floor tiles bring playfulness to the deep red paint color in this small bathroom designed by Andy Beers of Ore Studios. The spacious drawers under the floating vanity also help keep things tidy, a must in a tiny bathroom.
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10
Stick to One Grayscale Color
The infinity effect works well in a modern, minimalist environment, such as this bathroom designed by Kristin Fine. While a clay-white color veils the entire space, the many layers of texture and shape ensure visual intrigue.
11
Blend Traditional Elements
Your bathroom doesn't have to be monochromatic and austere to be modern. For a modern bathroom with more traditional overtures, take note of this bathroom by interior designer Elizabeth Cooper. She opted for a marble shower stall, vanity topper, and backsplash with rich blue veining and then painted the cabinets an icy pale blue paint color for continuity. Brass accents inject just the right amount of warmth.
12
Keep Things Simple
Simplicity in layout and color scheme can often be best in smaller spaces, as proven in this tiny New York City bathroom designed by Shawn Henderson. This formula (pretty shelves, matching hardware, and simple, high-end accessories) is also always an easy win in a rental.
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13
Mix Textures
When designing a minimalist and modern bathroom, stick to things like neutral tones. But keep things interesting and varied by layering tiles of different materials for different sections in the space, as Ishka Designs did in this luxe bathroom.
14
Stick to One Statement
Tamsin Johnson extended the gorgeous custom marble material up from the vanity to the backsplash and even framed the double oval mirrors with it. The rich purple veining makes for a unique and modern yet calming impression. For a similar look, splurge on one statement material but practice restrain when it comes to mixing too many different things together.
15
Float Your Sink
The sparkly tiles in this bathroom designed by Hecker Guthrie have a gorgeous glimmer, making it look extra luxe while still being in line with the modern style. The floating sink is also a fixture in modern bathrooms.
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16
Opt for Enclosed Storage
Modern designs tend to be soothing to look at, which means all clutter and unsightly essentials should be tucked away neatly out of sight. Enclosed storage, whether DIY'ed with a curtain to hide a gap between the floor and sink or via custom cabinetry is the way to go. The glossy white floating drawers in this modern bathroom designed by Raji RM are perfect.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an enthusiast and expert in modern bathroom design, I can confidently say that a clean and fresh bathroom is essential for a pleasant personal hygiene experience. Not only does regular cleaning contribute to a sparkling and new appearance, but thoughtful design also plays a significant role in achieving a clean and fresh atmosphere. Modern design, with its minimalist silhouettes, cool materials, contemporary lighting, and state-of-the-art plumbing and technology, offers the perfect balance between form and function.
Let's explore some concepts related to modern bathroom design:
-
Embrace Exposed Materials: Incorporating exposed brick can give your bathroom a gritty edge while introducing a dramatic marble vanity adds a touch of polished style. If you're on a budget, converting nightstands into storage space can provide a clutter-free solution.
-
Take Inspiration From Nature: Creating a calm and seamless ambiance can be achieved by incorporating nature-inspired elements. Consider using cave-like concrete shower areas coated in waterproof stucco to evoke a romantic and modern feel.
-
Design Around a View: By utilizing simple and nature-inspired materials, you can create a modern masterpiece. Placing a rounded floating bathtub strategically near a floor-to-ceiling window draws the eyes outward, providing a captivating view.
-
Modernize Preexisting Features: Linking the primary bedroom to the modern bathroom can be achieved through matching curtains, open doorways, and a muted caramel color scheme. Modernizing a clawfoot tub with contemporary additions, such as a marble cube stool and a sleek sconce, can enhance the overall aesthetic.
-
Experiment With Surface Materials: Using unconventional materials like cork can add visual surprise to your bathroom. Not only is cork renewable, but it also offers warmth, cushioning, noise reduction, and natural climate control.
-
Choose Glass: Incorporating glass elements, like baby blue zellige tiles and a sleek matte black and glass enclosure, can make a bold modern statement. Additionally, adding a floating bench provides both formal and functional value without the hassle of a curtain.
-
Mix In Organized Shapes: Creating a happy and fun bathroom atmosphere can be achieved by incorporating organic shapes and a tight color story. Combining midcentury foundations with contemporary fixtures and updated textiles creates a harmonious blend of old and new.
-
Play Up Natural Elements: Utilizing the angles of the ceiling and spotlighting a slab of swirling marble can create a clever and intentional design. This approach allows you to make the most of tricky or irregular rooflines.
-
Play With Graphic Prints: Introducing fun graphic floor tiles can add playfulness to your bathroom. Additionally, incorporating spacious drawers under a floating vanity helps maintain a tidy space, which is especially important in smaller bathrooms.
-
Stick to One Grayscale Color: Creating an infinity effect in a modern, minimalist environment can be achieved by using a clay-white color scheme. By incorporating layers of texture and shape, you can ensure visual intrigue.
-
Blend Traditional Elements: A modern bathroom doesn't have to be monochromatic and austere. Combining traditional elements, such as a marble shower stall and vanity, with modern touches like painted cabinets and brass accents, can create a warm and harmonious space.
-
Keep Things Simple: In smaller spaces, simplicity in layout and color scheme often works best. Combining pretty shelves, matching hardware, and simple, high-end accessories can create an effortless and elegant look.
-
Mix Textures: To add interest and variety to a minimalist and modern bathroom, consider layering tiles of different materials for different sections of the space. This approach creates a visually captivating environment.
-
Stick to One Statement: Using a single statement material, such as custom marble, can create a unique and calming impression. Avoid mixing too many different elements to maintain a cohesive and modern look.
-
Float Your Sink: Incorporating sparkly tiles and a floating sink can add a touch of luxury to your modern bathroom. The floating sink design is a popular fixture in modern bathrooms.
-
Opt for Enclosed Storage: To maintain a soothing and clutter-free environment, consider utilizing enclosed storage options. Glossy white floating drawers or custom cabinetry can help hide unsightly essentials and maintain a clean and streamlined appearance.
By considering these concepts and incorporating them into your bathroom design, you can create a modern, clean, and fresh space that perfectly balances form and function.
